Bruno Fernandes Free-Kick Seals Man Utd Draw With Arsenal; Gunners Trail Liverpool By 15 Points

Manchester United and Arsenal Share Points in Old Trafford Stalemate
By Harry Bamforth, Kim Morrissey, Oliver Holt, and Ian Ladyman | Updated: 19:06 GMT, 9 March 2025

Bruno Fernandes celebrates his stunning free-kick for Manchester United (Image: Getty)

Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal
Arsenal missed a chance to close the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool after being held to a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford. Bruno Fernandes’ first-half free-kick was canceled out by a late Arsenal equalizer, leaving the Gunners 15 points adrift of the summit.

Match Highlights
Fernandes’ Masterclass (35’): United broke the deadlock when Fernandes curled a 25-yard free-kick into the top corner, leaving Arsenal’s goalkeeper rooted. The goal ignited Old Trafford and underscored Fernandes’ pivotal role in Erik ten Hag’s side.

Fernandes’ free-kick leaves Arsenal’s keeper stranded (Image: Reuters)

Arsenal’s Response (72’): The visitors leveled when substitute Emile Smith Rowe pounced on a defensive error to slot home. Arsenal’s persistence paid off after relentless pressure, though questions lingered over United’s shaky backline.

Late Drama: Both teams pushed for a winner, with United’s Alejandro Garnacho hitting the post in the 85th minute. Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka also forced a fingertip save from André Onana in stoppage time.

Key Moments

• VAR Check (45+2’): A penalty appeal for Arsenal was waved off after Gabriel Martinelli’s cross struck Luke Shaw’s arm.
• Rashford’s Miss (61’): Marcus Rashford squandered a one-on-one chance, firing straight at the keeper.
• Defensive Woes: Harry Maguire’s error nearly gifted Arsenal a second goal, but Onana’s quick reflexes spared United.

Post-Match Reactions
Erik ten Hag (Man Utd Manager):
“We controlled large parts but lacked the killer instinct. Bruno’s goal was world-class, but we must defend leads better.”

Mikel Arteta (Arsenal Manager):
“A point isn’t enough, but the fight pleases me. The title race is tough, but we’ll keep pushing.”

Arteta and Ten Hag exchange words post-match (Image: AFP)

League Impact

• Arsenal: Remain third, 15 points behind Liverpool and four adrift of second-placed Manchester City.
• Man Utd: Stay sixth, trailing fourth-place Aston Villa by five points.

Player Ratings

• Man Utd: Fernandes (8.5), Onana (7.5), Garnacho (7)
• Arsenal: Smith Rowe (8), Saka (7.5), Saliba (7)

What’s Next?

• Arsenal: Host Everton in a must-win game to keep fading title hopes alive.
• Man Utd: Face Fulham away, aiming to reignite their top-four bid.

Fans react to the tense finish at Old Trafford (Image: Getty)

Final Word: A thrilling draw underscores both teams’ flaws—United’s defensive lapses and Arsenal’s inability to finish chances. The title race seems all but over for the Gunners, while United’s top-four ambitions hang in the balance.